Weather Conditions Perfect For Forest Fires

Fire crews in southern and southeastern Kentucky are on on alert. They say weather conditions are perfect for forest fires and some have already started.

The forestry division has crews on standby in Bell, Clay, Knox, Whitley, Laurel and McCreary counties. Any time weather conditions include high winds and low humidity, the danger of forest fires can become critical.

Forestry officials say when there's wind, even the smallest fire can get out of control and spread quickly. Even though we've had a fairly wet winter in Kentucky, just a short dry spell can turn the woods into a tinderbox.

A fire, burning in Knox Count, is believed to have been deliberately set. Arson is the leading cause of forest fires in Kentucky.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the state forestry department reported seven active fires: one in Monroe County, one in Laurel County, one in Knox County, one in Leslie County and three in Pike County.

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